Category Archives: Food

WIAW

Posted on June 19, 2013 by StephSnacks | 2 Comments

Um, yes. I decided to once join in this party once again after a long hiatus. Just like in my last post, I won’t apologize for being a bit busier and my blog garnering a few more cobwebs here and there, but I am definitely not in a place to abandon it completely! More likely than not, instead of posting three-four days a week, it will probably be two-three days a week, four if I have the time. That being said, let’s move forward to What I Ate Wednesday! Thank you to Jenn for always putting this together.

Although I didn’t manage to get in a workout yesterday (Tuesday) I started my day off on the right foot with breakfast. I decided to have my favorite low cal/high protein Pure Protein shake with a 45 calorie low carb Trader Joes wrap. I put a bit of sunflower butter and low sugar jam on the wrap. This kept me full until 1:30! And I ate it around 8:15 AM.

Then, around 1:30, I ate one of these pre-packed lunches that I made for myself on Sunday night along with some crackers from Trader Joes:

I’m not going to share exactly what was in this amazingness in this very post, because I am going to save it for another one that will be coming up soon! But I can guarantee that it was a fresh, solid lunch.

I had dinner plans yesterday evening with my friend Emma at Josie’s and we were both a bit hungry so we started off with a shared appetizer of steamed shrimp/veggie dumplings. We each ate a dumpling and a half and it was enough to keep our stomachs at bay without becoming too full.

For my entree, I ordered the pineapple calamari appetizer along with a side of mashed sweet potato’s. I ate all of the calamari (love grilled calamari) and about half of my mashed sweet potato’s.

More than the food, I was just happy to hang out and chat with my friend Emma for the night. We always go from really funny/stupid conversations to more serious ones and vice versa. Just a lot of fun!

Now I’m nibbling on a couple of chocolate chips before bed. Night everyone!

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Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Food, Friends, Lunch, NYC

Gillian’s Graduation

Posted on June 16, 2013 by StephSnacks | 4 Comments

Hello, there! Long time, no blog. I acknowledge that I have been blogging less lately. It’s just something that happens here and there I guess. But to be fair and honest to myself, my life has picked up in many different areas lately. Work, social obligations, even the gym–yes the gym–I’ve been more devoted to things outside of the blog, and if we are all being honest, that’s a good thing. Life evolves and moves forward with ‘pause’ and ‘fast forward’ moments. Mine happens to be in the midst of a ‘fast forward’ motion so I am just going with the flow. I hope you continue to read – and I do promise to continue blogging!

Speaking about evolving, my sister graduated from college this past weekend! It was the first time my family has been together since the holiday’s, so this was a great couple of days for us. Gillian studied at Drexel University in Phialdelphia and I had not been to Philly in a couple of years. As soon as we arrived on Friday morning, my mom, dad, and I were all impressed by everything Gill purchased to make our stay comfortable. She went out of her way to brew a big pitcher of iced coffee, purchased a carton of egg whites and greek yogurt for me, fruit for my mom, and chips for my dad! It was such a treat

(My iced coffee!)

After hanging out for a bit at Gillian’s apartment, my mom, dad, Gill’s boyfriend Tom, Gill and I, all went for a little walk around Philly – we were very lucky because it was such a beautiful day and we had been getting so much rain!

Our walk was brief, because we had to get ready for Gillian’s honors ceremony that evening. It was a really nice, intimate gathering of students in the education program who were honored with scholarships and awards. We were all really proud that Gillian had received several scholarships!

The next morning, I woke up earlier to get in a great workout at Gillian’s gym prior to the graduation ceremony. It felt really good to get in a great cario workout along with some strength and ab moves. Then, before I knew it, we were ready to go to Gillian’s graduation!

Gillian receiving her diploma!

The ceremony itself was very nice, and it felt a little strange to realize it has been THREE YEARS since I have been in college. Nonetheless, it was so nice to celebrate Gillian’s achievements and enjoy the speeches and what the professors/deans had to say.

Once graduation was over, Gill, Tom, and I all headed back to Gillian’s apartment to sip on some wine and have some snacks before our dinner reservations at 7:00 PM. We hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast at 10:00am and by 3:30pm we were starving!! After lazying around, it was time to get ready to have an out of this world dinner at Davio’s.

Gill’s boyfriend, Tom, and I.

Gilly and me!

Of course I didn’t get enough pictures of the food, but the wine was too pretty not to capture!

Dinner was fun, beyond delicious, and a great way to celebrate Gillian’s devotion to her studies and future work.

My family and I treasured this weekend to the fullest and I wish I could have stayed in Philly one more night!

Question: Which college did you graduate from? What was your major?

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Posted in Alcohol, Apartment, coffee, College, Dinner, Drinks, Family, Food, Greek Yogurt, Gym, Relaxing, Weekend, Workout

What I’ve Been Thinking

Posted on June 11, 2013 by StephSnacks | 4 Comments

1. Teresa Guidice freaks me out.

2. No, Juicy Joe freaks me out.

3. I hate going to the gym.

4. It’s not that bad.

5. Ugh that sucked.

6. But I feel better!

7. I think I see abs!

8. Abs?? Is that you?

9. Maybe not.

10. My sister graduates this weekend!

11. Philly here I come.

12. Are there cabs late at night in Philly?

13. Can I get a cosmo with a manicure in Philly?

14. Probably not.

15. I can’t remember which bridal shower I have next.

16. It wouldn’t so bad if I mixed up the gifts.

17. You’re an ass, Stephanie.

18. I want sushi.

19. Can’t get sushi without froyo!

20. Welp, got ‘em both, look at me.

21. …… <– silence while eating sushi and froyo.

So that’s legit what’s been going on in my mind over the past two months. What have you been thinking lately??

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Posted in Food, Friends, Sushi

What I’m Loving Lately

Posted on June 1, 2013 by StephSnacks | 4 Comments

Hi there, peeps! I hope you are all doing well on this lovely, sunny, and warm Saturday. I had a training session at 11:00 this morning and followed it up with an hour or so of laying out in the sun. Now I’m spending a couple hours relaxing before another night out with friends. Ah, Summer, welcome back So I figured I’d put together a little list of things that I am loving lately. I love these lists! Here we go.

1. Beach days have returned! A couple of my friends and I spent our weekend at the beach for Memorial Day Weekend and we plan to do the same in August! I hope to get a few more days in here or there prior to August, but for now, laying out on my porch will suffice.

2. My co-workers and I are thrilled that the Bryant Park Bar and Grill has opened up for Summer/Fall. So much so that we celebrated last night with drinks! Cheers to being back at our stomping grounds.

3. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Perfect for when I get out of the shower and want to do something cute with my hair — but it’s too darn hot in my apartment to even think about turning on the hair dryer. Win win! Sexy, pretty, beachy waves in seconds.

4. My new hurr! I didn’t go quite as dark as I originally wanted, but I’ll get there with time. I like that this hair is a bit more ‘tame’ to my bright highlights that I originally had. I also find it sexier and more mature!

5. Working out with my personal trainer! My trainer, Courtney, is seriously awesome! She knows her shit and is a lot of fun to be around. Training can be expensive, but I literally love it too much to stop. I always get in a great workout and learn new techniques I never would have been able to do on my own. Courtney and I also have the same sense of humor, so the hour flies by.

6. Pure protein shakes. I get these at Trader Joes (I like the chocolate over the vanilla–the vanilla can taste a little funky? Just saying) and have one with some egg whites in the morning before work. This combo keeps me full for 4-5 hours. I love that they are only 110 calories and each can is filled with a ton of protein.

7. Bright outfits!! I am someone who looooovesss color. So for Summer I plan to take full advantage with my wardrobe.

8. Keeping Up With The Kardashians aaaannnndddd The Real Housewives of NJ beings tomorrow. Sunday night TV has never been better. Kimye foreverrrrrrrr. Or until like, tomorrow. Whatevs.

9. Mexican Food. Been loving some good old guac and chip lately. What can I say?

10. New workout music. Some jams for you:
-Play Hard // Neyo and Akon
-Fall Down // Will.i.am ft. Miley Cyrus
-Stardust // Mika
-Heart Vacancy Remix // The Wanted

Question: What have you been loving lately??

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Posted in Breakfast, Drinks, Exercise, Fashion, Food, Friends, Happy Hour, Summer, Tan, Vacation, Weekend, Workout

Memorial Day Weekend 2013

Posted on May 27, 2013 by StephSnacks | 7 Comments

Another MDW has come and gone. This day is often the unspoken start to Summer, but also a day in which we can reflect on those who have given so much for our country. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the Newtown shooting, and the disastrous tornado in Oklahoma, it is safe to say that our country is one of brave servicemen and women who are always ready to face fear and disaster head on. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

This was the second year that my friends and I spent MDW down at the shore. We felt so lucky to be able to do so because we weren’t quite certain how one of our favorite places would be after Sandy struck. Luckily, the town (Pier Village) was mostly completely fine, and we were able to continue our tradition. Early Saturday morning, my friend Emma and I made our way down to Pier Village — with hardly any traffic in sight (still shocked) we arrived around 11:00 AM, unpacked, and waited for our friend Rebecca. What are you supposed to do while waiting? Order Bloody Mary’s! Bloody Mary’s are easily becoming one of my favorite drinks – and I hardly feel any guilt because they aren’t that bad for you!

Saturday was incredibly windy and rainy so we weren’t able to soak up the sun. Instead, once Rebecca arrived, we soaked up another round of Bloody Mary’s along with lunch, and headed to our hotel room for a two hour nap. It was seriously amazing to fall asleep! I probably could have slept the rest of the night, except, we had some pretty fun plans for the evening. Emma, Rebecca, and I, went to dinner where our friend Kaylin works and headed out to Bar-A afterwards for a night of dancing and drinks. It was so much fun and we had so many laughs. One things I loved, loved, loved about this weekend was all of the laughing we did. I may not have gotten in a good workout, but I got in a ton of laughter.

Bar-A is incredibly big – with multiple bars and dance floors. Perfect for us!

On Saturday morning, we took our head aches to one of our favorite breakfast spots, The Turning Point. Rebecca and I have been to this restaurant a handful of times, and we love it for its fresh and healthy breakfasts. To start, we split our beloved fruit bruschetta.

I also ordered an iced coffee which came with the cutest cow creamer (adorbs) and for my meal, I ordered the Popeye Skillet with egg whites. It was very good! I wish there had been a few more egg whites, though.

After eating, we decided to walk around the beach for a little bit before settling in at the pool for several hours of sun and trashy magazines.

After the pool, it was time to head back to our hotel room to get ready for sushi at our favorite spot in Pier Village- Sawa!

(Sushi outfit)

We also went to Sawa during Memorial Day Weekend last year and absolutely loved the food – this time was no different. We split the Beef Negimaki — because it’s basically way too good to pass up. I’m not a big beef lover, but this stuff is what dreams are made of.

I then ordered the Golden Dragon roll with brown rice. If you ever eat at Sawa, please try a roll with the brown rice – it’s so different and delicious, I’m not even sure why! But trust me I also ordered a couple of pieces of sashimi (and had a small soup).

Needless to say, we left stuffed. We woke up this morning super sad that it was the last day of our amazingly fun weekend, but were able to get in some time at the beach before hitting the road.

Although chilly, I was so happy to get some sun. This weekend was sooo perfect. I find that for me, as I get older (even though I’m only 25, let’s not push it here) it becomes more important to me to get out of the city sometimes. The girls and I had amazing talks about friendship and what it means to be a ‘good’ friend and how we have grown into ourselves. There really is nothing quite like having friends to make you open your eyes to new things and to laugh at the silly things! I feel grateful and rejuvenated for the week ahead.

Now off to watch the Real Housewives of Orange County! Have a great night!

Question: Did you do anything this Memorial Day Weekend? Do you have any weekend get-away’s planned for this Summer?

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Posted in Alcohol, Beach, Breakfast, Brunch, coffee, Diet, Drinks, Food, Friends, Lunch, Memories, Summer, Sushi, Vacation, Weekend

Hamptons Bachelorette Weekend

Posted on May 19, 2013 by StephSnacks | 4 Comments

Hi, everyone! How was your weekend? I had a particularly fun Friday and Saturday because I went out to the Hamptons to celebrate my friend Ashley’s Bachelorette weekend. I took the day off from work on Friday and we arrived at our home for the weekend in the early afternoon. We had a lot of fun activities on the agenda! Bachelorette games, food, wine, a dinner at Little Red, and last but not least, a day of wine tasting complete with a hummer limo! I’d say the weekend was a success and a great kick-off to Summer.

Here are a bunch of pictures I took throughout the weekend — enjoy!

The bachelorette!

We made bachelorette wine glasses!

No shortage of Bridal movies

My dinner outfit!

Limo fun!

HEAVEN!!

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Posted in Alcohol, Beach, Dinner, Drinks, Eating Out, Food, Friends, Hamptons, Summer, Weekend, Wine

WIAW

Posted on May 15, 2013 by StephSnacks | 1 Comment

Well here we are for another WIAW! I’m pretty excited because tomorrow (Thursday) is the last day of my work week. I have a bachelorette party this weekend and leave Thursday night. But anyway, onto what I ate on Tuesddaaayyyyy..

Around 8:30 I had 2/3 cups of Trader Joes Bran Cereal with some berries, skim milk, and a drizzle of honey. I know this sounds like a pretty filling breakfast – but it wasn’t! Not for me, at least. I think from now on I will stick to my greek yogurt or egg white omelettes. Much more filling.

This was also one of the rare days that I had a snack between breakfast and lunch. I’m tellin’ ya, that cereal did nothing for me! So around 11:00, I had an un-pictured fat free greek yogurt.

For lunch, I packed a light and healthy salad. Baby spinach, some roasted turkey, pomegranate seeds, and avocado. It was really yummy! I think I will pack some crackers on the side next time, though.

Around 4:00, since I knew I would be working out at 6:00, I had a 110 calorie protein shake. I really like these shakes (I buy them at Trader Joes) because they’re low in calories and packed with protein–21 grams! However, I think I like the chocolate flavor better and will stick with it from now on.

Then, after a workout at the gym and some errands/running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I finally sat down around 8:30 for dinner.

Dinner included some roasted brussel sprouts, diced avocado, grape leaves, and some crackers.

So there you have it! Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

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Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Exercise, Food, Greek Yogurt, Lunch, Trader Joes, WIAW, Workout

Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture

Posted on May 12, 2013 by StephSnacks | 1 Comment

About a month ago, I received an invitation from the Museum of Natural History to check out one of their new exhibits, ‘Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture’. I was able to take advantage today, and am so glad that I took the time to meander around this exhibit. ‘Our Global Kitchen’ explored all aspects of food and the history of food; everything from ancient agriculture, to how food has evolved from the 1800′s to present day, to the different types of cuisines that are enjoyed around the world.

The Museum of Natural History’s website states that the exhibit answers the following questions:
-How does food reflect and influence culture and identity?
-What’s the role of human ingenuity in shaping food – past, present, and future?
-How does what we eat affect the planet?
-Why is the diversity of food important?
-What’s the role of food in human health?
-How does our sense of taste affect our food choices?

The entire exhibit included some amazing facts about food, agriculture, and how food will grow and be attainable in the future:

I also enjoyed the little displays that showed different farmland space and how the space differs from country to country:

There were a few great displays scattered throughout the exhibit – one which included an Aztec market and what it would have looked like.

And chocolate as money? Um, yum??

‘Our Global Kitchen’ also included a Whole Foods test kitchen which passed around different foods to test taste.

Oh, and have you ever wondered what Michael Phelps eats for breakfast?

Damn.

I am so grateful that the Museum of Natural History invited me to go see this exhibit – it was very eye-opening because living in New York City, I have access to basically any and every food; sushi, apples, salad, water, yogurt, you name it. But there are so many people out there who go hungry each day (which the exhibit also touched on), and so many areas in poverty. If you live in NYC or are planning a visit to the city, I would definitely recommend checking out ‘Our Global Kitchen’.

Thank you so very much to the Museum of Natural History!

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Posted in Food, Museum, Weekend

WIAW

Posted on May 8, 2013 by StephSnacks | Leave a comment

Hello, hello and welcome to another WIAW post! We are now half way through the week (thank God) and I couldn’t be more happy about it. I have a few things on the agenda for this weekend and I am anxiously awaiting to get there. Thank you as always to Jenn for hosting this shin-dig. Let’s get into my ‘Tuesday’ eats!

My picture of breakfast was quite shitty, but it tasted really good! So instead of showing you, I’ll tell you! I had egg whites scrambled with a little bit of fat free cream cheese and smoked salmon. On the side I had three grape leaves — I generally always have my egg whites with spinach and soy cheese, so I really enjoyed switching it up a bit. I ate this around 8:00 AM and was full until almost 1:00 when it was lunch time!

On Sunday night, I decided to cook up some 99% fat free ground turkey and add some peppers and onions into the mix. To top it off, I added a sprinkle of soy cheese and some Trader Joes Greek Yogurt Guacamole. Whoever lives near a Trader Joes must try this guac! Amazeballs!

I had a meeting at 4:00 so by 5:00 I was a bit hungry and craving a snack. I hardly ever do this, but I went to one of the ‘fruit shake’ stands on the street and got a ‘smoothie’ which simply consisted of banana, strawberries, and orange all blended up with ice. It sucked.

Dinner, which I ate around 7:30, included a frozen Trader Joes meal and half of an avocado sprinkled with sea salt and paprika. I’m a big fan of Trader Joes frozen meals — especially the Indian ones — but this dish in particular (something along the lines of chicken and veggies) wasn’t so great. Eh, ya win some ya lose some!

So nothing too exciting, but all relatively healthy

Question of the Day: Are you a guacamole fan? I could eat it every day!

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Posted in Dinner, Food, Health, Smoothie, Snack, Trader Joes, Weekend, WIAW

WIAW

Posted on May 1, 2013 by StephSnacks | 6 Comments

Hello there and happy What I Ate Wednesday! I have definitely been slacking in the ‘let me show you what my meals have been’ department as of late – so this is the perfect opportunity to show you a few snapshots of what I have been eating over the past couple of days. It’s been the same type of cycle lately — cheats on the weekends and more vigilant during the week. It works for me and I never get bored. Thanks as always to Jenn for putting this party together each and every week!

Fresh pineapple – cleansing and delicious!

A sushi dinner with my dad – two simple rolls with brown rice and a piece of eel.

When I get lazy, I’ve discovered that Trader Joes Reduced Guilt Frozen meals are the shit. This one happened to be salmon with some sort of orzo. I think it clocked in at under 300 calories.

Two 45 calorie low carb wraps; one with low fat cream cheese and jam and the other with a bit of sunflower butter and a drizzle of honey. Fresh strawberries on the side!